Device for regulating the temperature of a container

ABSTRACT

A cooling device ( 1 ) for chilling a wine bottle ( 2 ) comprises a substantially cylindrical housing ( 3 ). A panel member ( 8 ) formed by a plurality of hingedly connected panel segments ( 9 ) is located in the housing ( 3 ) and forms a receiving compartment ( 12 ) for the wine bottle ( 2 ). The panel segments ( 9 ) each form a storing chamber ( 14 ) for storing a temperature conditionable liquid. An annular ring ( 7 ) is mounted on a carrier sleeve ( 16 ) which is rotatable and axially slideable within the housing ( 3 ) for varying the diameter of a receiving compartment ( 12 ) for accommodating bottles ( 2 ) of different diameter. A bearing rim ( 20 ) of the carrier sleeve ( 16 ) abuts wedge-shaped portions ( 21 ) of the panel member ( 8 ) so that as the carrier sleeve ( 16 ) is urged axially into the housing ( 3 ) the diameter of the receiving compartment ( 12 ) is reduced and vice versa. Cam slots ( 30 ) in the carrier sleeve ( 16 ) co-operate with cam followers ( 24 ) in the housing ( 3 ) for causing the carrier sleeve ( 16 ) to move axially in the housing ( 3 ) on rotation of the annular ring ( 7 ).

The present invention relates to a device for regulating the temperatureof the contents of a container, for example, a beverage container, suchas a can, bottle or the like, for example, a wine bottle.

It is desirable that white wines, champagne, and other such beverages,as well as beer and the like should be served chilled. In general, it isnot feasible in a restaurant environment to maintain an entire stock ofwhite wines and champagnes at the desired chilled temperature.Restaurateurs tend to store the more popular white wines in a coolcabinet which maintains the temperature of those wines at the desiredchilled temperature. However, when a less popular wine is requested, itis necessary to chill the wine from room temperature to the desiredchilled temperature. This, in general, is achieved by immersing thebottle of wine in an ice bucket or the like. Needless to say, this canbe inconvenient, and in general, the time required to chill the wine tothe desired chilled temperature from room temperature is excessive.Additionally, in a restaurant environment, the temperature of a bottleof wine already chilled, if left on a table for any length of time tendsto rise while the diners are partaking of their meal, and towards theend of the meal, the temperature of the wine may have risen to anundesirably high temperature. To overcome this problem, it is common tokeep the wine bottle immersed in an ice bucket for the duration of themeal, or alternatively, to place the wine bottle in a flask type devicewhich comprises a container having an inner compartment for receivingthe wine bottle, surrounded by a double skinned wall, and the areabetween the skins of the wall is evacuated. While such flask typedevices do tend to retard the rate at which the temperature of the winerises, in general, they tend to be relatively unsatisfactory, andbesides, if the wine is placed in the flask type device before it hasbeen reduced to the desired temperature, these flask type devices haveno cooling facility, and thus, the temperature of the wine commences toslowly rise from its temperature when initially placed in the flaskdevice.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,354 of Barnwell discloses a device for cooling abeverage can, such as, a beverage beer can. The device comprises acylindrical container having a base and a cylindrical side wallextending upwardly from the base. The side wall is of an insulatingmaterial, and defines with the base a hollow interior region of circulartransverse cross-section. A sleeve-like insert is located within thehollow interior region and extends around the inner side of the sidewall for receiving the can. The sleeve-like insert forms an annularstoring chamber within which a temperature conditionable liquid isstored for chilling the contents of the beverage can when the beveragecan is inserted into the sleeve-like insert. The sleeve-like insert isremoveable from the container for placing in a freezer or a deepfreezerfor chilling or freezing the temperature conditionable liquid in thestoring chamber. On the temperature conditionable liquid being frozen orchilled to the desired temperature, the sleeve-like insert is theninserted in the container and the beverage can is in turn inserted intothe sleeve for chilling thereof.

While the device of U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,354 chills the contents of abeverage can to a desired chill temperature, nonetheless, the devicesuffers from a number of disadvantages, firstly, the device of the U.S.Specification provides little control over the temperature of thecontents of the beverage can. In general, once the contents of thebeverage can have been chilled to the desired temperature, it isessential to remove the beverage can from the container, otherwisechilling continues, and the temperature of the contents of the beveragecan are reduced to an unacceptably low temperature. This is particularlyso if it is desired to chill the contents of the beverage can relativelyrapidly. In such a case, it is essential that the temperature of thetemperature conditionable liquid in the sleeve-like insert be reduced toa temperature, which is significantly lower than the temperature towhich it is desired to chill the contents of the beverage can. Thus,should the beverage can be left in the container after its contents havereached the desired chilled temperature, further chilling continues, andthus, the contents of the beverage can are reduced to an unacceptablylow temperature. Alternatively, if the temperature conditionable liquidof the sleeve-like insert is chilled to a temperature which would besuch that when the contents of the beverage can are at the desiredchilled temperature, the temperature of the temperature conditionableliquid is in equilibrium with the beverage temperature in order to avoidchilling of the contents of the beverage can below the desired chilledtemperature, the time required to reduce the temperature of the contentsof the beverage can, in general, is unacceptably long. Another problemwith the device of U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,354 is that it is only suitablefor use with a beer can of a specific size.

There is therefore a need for a device for chilling the contents ofcontainers, for example, beverage containers of various sizes to adesired chill temperature. Indeed, there is also a need for a device forregulating the temperature of the contents of containers of varioussizes, whether the temperature is to be regulated upwardly ordownwardly.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a device forregulating the temperature of the contents of a container.

According to the invention there is provided a device for regulating thetemperature of the contents of a container, the device comprising asupport means, and a temperature regulating means located within thesupport means for regulating the temperature of the contents of thecontainer at a desired temperature, the temperature regulating meanscomprising a storing means for storing a temperature conditionable fluidand defining an elongated receiving compartment for receiving thecontainer, wherein the receiving compartment is of variable transversecross-sectional area for accommodating containers of differentcross-sectional area.

In one embodiment of the invention the transverse cross-sectional areaof the receiving compartment is variable for facilitating operation ofthe device in a first mode with the temperature regulating meansabutting the container for altering the temperature of the contents ofthe container, and in a second mode with the temperature regulatingmeans spaced apart from the container for maintaining the temperature ofthe contents of the container substantially constant.

Ideally, the receiving compartment defines a central axis which in usesubstantially coincides with the central axis of the container.Preferably, the receiving compartment is in the form of an elongatedreceiving bore. Advantageously, the receiving compartment is of circulartransverse cross-sectional area.

In one embodiment of the invention the support means is co-operable withthe temperature regulating means for varying the transversecross-sectional area of the receiving compartment.

In another embodiment of the invention a means for varying thetransverse cross-sectional area of the receiving compartment isprovided. Preferably, the means for varying the transversecross-sectional area of the receiving compartment is co-operable withthe support means and the temperature regulating means for varying thetransverse cross-sectional area of the receiving compartment.

In one embodiment of the invention the support means comprises a firstpart and a second part which are moveable relative to each other.Preferably, the first part of the support means comprises a hollowhousing which forms a container defining a hollow interior region forreceiving the temperature regulating means therein, the housing defininga longitudinally extending central axis which substantially coincideswith the central axis of the receiving compartment, and the second partof the support means comprises an annular ring located co-axially withthe housing.

In one embodiment of the invention the means for varying the transversecross-sectional area of the receiving compartment comprises a firstelement located on the second part of the support means and a secondelement located on the temperature regulating means so that on relativemovement of one of the first and second parts of the support means thefirst and second elements co-operate with each other for varying thetransverse cross-sectional area of the receiving compartment.Preferably, the first element is moveable relative to the second elementfor varying the transverse cross-sectional area of the receivingcompartment as the one of the first and second parts of the supportmeans is moved relative to the other. Advantageously, the second elementis shaped so that movement of the first element relative to the secondelement varies the transverse cross-sectional area of the receivingcompartment.

In one embodiment of the invention a constraining means is provided forconstraining the first element to move in a predetermined path relativeto the second element for varying the transverse cross-sectional area ofthe receiving compartment when the one of the first and second parts ofthe support means is moved relative to the other.

In another embodiment of the invention the first and second parts of thesupport means are rotatably moveable relative to each other, and theconstraining means constrains the first element to move relative to thesecond element along the predetermined path parallel to the centralaxis.

In a further embodiment of the invention the constraining meanscomprises a cam drive means having a camming means located on one of thefirst and second parts of the support means, and a cam follower meanslocated on the other of the first and second parts of the support means,the cam follower means being co-operable with the camming means forconstraining the first element to move in the predetermined pathrelative to the second element for varying the transversecross-sectional area of the receiving compartment on one of the firstand second parts of the support means being moved relative to the other.

Preferably, the annular ring is rotatably moveable relative to thehousing for causing the first element to move relative to the secondelement along the predetermined path. Advantageously, the annular ringis rotatably moveable relative to the housing from a first angularposition with the receiving compartment of the temperature regulatingmeans being of maximum transverse cross-sectional area to a secondangular position with the receiving compartment of the temperatureregulating means being of minimum transverse cross-sectional area.

In one embodiment of the invention the housing comprises a base and anupwardly extending side wall which defines an open mouth to the hollowinterior region, the side wall defining the central axis of the hollowinterior region, and the annular ring being located above the housingadjacent the open mouth.

In another embodiment of the invention a carrier means extends from theannular ring into the hollow interior region of the housing for carryingthe first element. Preferably, the carrier means carries one of thecamming means and the cam follower means, and the other of the cammingmeans and the cam follower means is carried on the housing.

Advantageously, the camming means is provided by a cam slot formed inthe carrier means, the cam slot extending partially circumferentiallyaround the carrier means and defining a cam profile for engagement withthe cam follower so that rotation of the annular ring and the carriermeans relative to the housing constrains the carrier means to moveparallel to the central axis of the receiving compartment for varyingthe transverse cross-sectional area of the receiving compartment.Preferably, the cam follower is located on the housing and extendsinwardly into the hollow interior region for engaging the cam profiledefined by the cam slot. Advantageously, a plurality of cam followersare equi-spaced apart circumferentially around the housing, and acorresponding number of cam slots are also provided equi-spaced apartaround the carrier means.

Ideally, each cam slot defines an inclined cam profile relative to thecentral axis of the receiving compartment.

Preferably, an entry slot is provided to each cam slot for facilitatingexiting and entry of the corresponding cam follower into the cam slot onremoval or replacement of the annular ring and carrier means relative tothe housing. Advantageously, the entry slots communicate with thecorresponding cam slots at the end of the cam slots remote from theannular ring and extend in an axial direction away from the annular ringtowards the free end of the carrier means.

Preferably, the carrier means extends from the annular ring into thehollow interior region of the housing, and advantageously, the carriermeans is located between the housing and the temperature regulatingmeans.

In one embodiment of the invention the carrier means comprises a carrierside wall extending from the annular ring between the housing and thetemperature regulating means, the carrier side wall terminating in abearing rim at its free end remote from the annular ring which forms thefirst element. Preferably, the bearing rim extends completely around thecarrier side wall, and is formed on a portion of the carrier side wallextending inwardly towards the temperature regulating means.

In another embodiment of the invention the temperature regulating meansdefines a pair of free end edges extending parallel to the central axisof the receiving compartment, the free end edges being moveable relativeto each other for varying the transverse cross-sectional area of thereceiving compartment.

Ideally, the temperature regulating means comprises a panel memberformed into a sleeve for forming the receiving compartment, the panelmember comprising a pair of opposite longitudinally extending free endedges extending parallel to the central axis of the receivingcompartment which form the end edges.

Preferably, the panel member comprises a plurality of elongated panelsegments extending parallel to the central axis of the receivingcompartment, each panel segment defining an inner face and an oppositeouter face which are joined by a pair of opposite longitudinallyextending end faces, each panel segment being connected to its adjacentpanel segment by a connecting means, the inner faces of the respectivepanel segments defining the receiving compartment, and the end faces ofthe panel segments at respective opposite ends of the panel memberdefining the respective free end edges of the panel member.Advantageously, each panel segment defines a discrete storing chamberfor forming the storing means for storing the temperature conditionablefluid.

Preferably, the connecting means for connecting adjacent panel segmentsis a resilient connecting means for urging the panel member outwardlyrelative to the central axis of the receiving compartment.Advantageously, each connecting means comprises a longitudinallyextending plastics hinge. Preferably, each connecting means is locatedintermediate the inner and outer faces of the adjacent panel segments.

In one embodiment of the invention the end faces of the respective panelsegments between the connecting means and the inner faces of the panelsegments are chamfered for accommodating hinging of the panel segmentsrelative to each other for forming the receiving compartment.

In another embodiment of the invention the outer faces of the panelsegments define an outer wall of the temperature regulating means, eachouter face defining the second element for co-operating with the firstelement for varying the transverse cross-sectional area of the receivingcompartment. Preferably, each second element defined by the outer faceof each panel segment is of wedge-shape in a direction parallel to thecentral axis of the receiving compartment so that axial movement of thefirst element relative to each second element varies the transversecross-sectional area of the receiving compartment.

In one embodiment of the invention the temperature regulating means isfreely supported in the support means.

In another embodiment of the invention the first part of the supportmeans is connected to the temperature regulating means at a firstlocation, and the second part of the support means is connected to thetemperature regulating means at a spaced apart second location, so thatmovement of one of the first and second parts of the support meansrelative to the other varies the transverse cross-sectional area of thereceiving compartment. Preferably, the first part of the support meansis connected to the temperature regulating means adjacent to one of thefree end edges, and the second part of the support means is connected tothe temperature regulating means adjacent to the other of the free endedges of the temperature regulating means. Advantageously, the firstlocation of the temperature regulating means is connected to the base ofthe housing of the support means and the second location is connected tothe annular ring of the support means adjacent the top of thetemperature regulating means so that rotation of the annular ringrelative to the housing causes the respective end edges to move relativeto each other for varying the transverse cross-sectional area of thereceiving compartment.

Ideally, the temperature regulating means is releaseably retained in thesupport means for facilitating removal thereof for locating thetemperature regulating means in an appropriate environment forconditioning the temperature conditionable fluid prior to use.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention an urging means isprovided for urging the temperature regulating means into engagementwith the container located in the receiving compartment. Preferably, theurging means comprises a resilient member mounted on one of the supportmeans and the temperature regulating means and co-operating with theother of the support means and the temperature regulating means forurging the temperature regulating means into engagement with thecontainer. Advantageously, the urging means comprises a ring ofresilient material extending round the temperature regulating means.Preferably, a pair of resilient rings are provided spaced apart axiallyalong the central axis.

In one embodiment of the invention the storing means is charged with thetemperature conditionable fluid. Preferably, the temperatureconditionable fluid is a temperature conditionable liquid.Advantageously, the temperature conditionable liquid is a liquid whichis chillable with a freezing point at or below that of water. Ideally,the freezing point of the chillable liquid lies in the range between 0°C. and −20° C.

In one embodiment of the invention the temperature conditionable liquidcomprises a mixture of water and any one or more of the followingingredients:

glycerine,

saline solution, and

propylene glycol.

In another embodiment of the invention alternate storing chambers of thepanel member are charged with respective temperature conditionableliquids with different freezing points so that when the temperatureconditionable liquid of some of the storing chambers is frozen to asolid phase, the temperature conditionable liquid in the alternatestoring chambers is not in a solid phase.

In another embodiment of the invention the temperature conditionableliquid in the alternate storing chambers which is not frozen solid is ina slush ice phase.

The advantages of the invention are many. One important advantage of thedevice according to the invention is that the device is suitable forregulating the temperature of containers of different sizes, and inparticular, different transverse cross-sectional area, and inparticular, different diameters. The device is particularly suitable forregulating the temperature of the contents of beverage cans, bottles andthe like of different diameters, and in particular, the device issuitable for chilling the contents of beverage cans or bottles, likewiseof different diameters. Another advantage of the invention is that aswell as being suitable for regulating the temperature of the contents ofa beverage or other container to a desired temperature, most of thedevice according to the invention may be operated for maintaining thetemperature of the contents of the container at that desiredtemperature. This is achieved by altering the transverse cross-sectionalarea of the receiving compartment of the temperature regulating means sothat the temperature regulating means is spaced apart an appropriatedistance from the container once the contents of the container have beenchilled to the desired temperature. A further advantage of the inventionis that it is particularly suitable for chilling the contents of wine,hock, champagne and water bottles.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the followingdescription of some preferred embodiments thereof which are given by wayof example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for regulating the temperatureof the contents of a container, namely, a cooling device according tothe invention for chilling a wine bottle,

FIG. 2 is a cut-away perspective view of the device of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a sectional elevational view of the device of FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 is a sectional elevational view of the device of FIG. 1illustrating a portion of the device in a different position to that ofFIG. 4,

FIG. 6, is a sectional elevational view of the device of FIG. 1 with aportion of the device of FIG. 1 removed,

FIG. 7 is a sectional elevational view similar to FIG. 6 of the deviceof FIG. 1 illustrating a portion of the device in a different positionto that of FIG. 6,

FIG. 8 is a sectional plan view of the device of FIG. 1,

FIG. 9 is a sectional plan view similar to that of FIG. 8 of the deviceof FIG. 1 illustrating a portion of the device in a different positionto that of FIG. 8,

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the device of FIG. 1,

FIG. 11 is a sectional elevational view of the portion of the deviceillustrated in FIG. 10,

FIG. 12 is a partly sectional plan view of the portion of the deviceillustrated in FIG. 10,

FIG. 13 is a partly cut-away perspective view of a cooling deviceaccording to another embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 14 is a sectional elevational view of the device of FIG. 13,

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG. 13,

FIG. 16 is a sectional plan view of the device of FIG. 13,

FIG. 17 is a sectional plan view similar to FIG. 16 of the device ofFIG. 13 illustrating a portion of the device in a different position tothat of FIG. 16,

FIG. 18 is an underneath perspective view of a portion of the device ofFIG. 13,

FIG. 19 is an enlarged sectional view of a detail of the device of FIG.13,

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a portion of the device of FIG. 13,

FIG. 21 is a sectional elevational view of a portion of a cooling deviceaccording to another embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 22 is a sectional elevational view similar to FIG. 21 of theportion of the device of FIG. 21 illustrating two parts of the device indifferent positions to that of FIG. 21,

FIG. 23 is a partly exploded perspective view of a cooling deviceaccording to another embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 24 is a sectional elevational view of the device of FIG. 23,

FIG. 25 is a sectional plan view of the device of FIG. 23,

FIG. 26 is a sectional elevational view of a cooling device according toanother embodiment of the invention, and

FIG. 27 is a sectional elevational view similar to FIG. 26 of the deviceof FIG. 26 with a part of the cooling device in a different position tothat of FIG. 26.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to FIGS. 1 to 12, there isillustrated a device according to the invention for regulating thetemperature of the contents of a beverage container, in this case, thedevice is a cooling device which is indicated generally by the referencenumeral 1 for cooling the contents of a wine bottle to a desired chilledtemperature and/or for maintaining the temperature of the contents ofthe wine bottle at a desired chill temperature. For convenience the winebottle which does not form part of the invention is illustrated inbroken lines and is indicated by the reference numeral 2. The coolingdevice 1 comprises a support means, which in this embodiment of theinvention is a two-part support means comprising a first part, namely,an outer housing 3 of substantially cylindrical shape which defines alongitudinally extending central geometric axis 4, a main hollowinterior region 5 and an open mouth 6 to the hollow interior region 5. Asecond part of the support means, namely, an annular ring 7 is rotatablycarried in the housing 3 adjacent to the open mouth 6 and is co-axialwith the central axis 4.

A temperature regulating means comprising a panel member 8 is locatedwithin the hollow interior region 5 of the housing 3 for chilling andmaintaining the temperature of wine in the bottle 2 at the desiredchilled temperature. The panel member 8 comprises a plurality oflongitudinally extending panel segments 9 which are connected byconnecting means, namely, resilient plastics hinges 10, and is bent toform a sleeve 11 against the resilient urging action of the hinges 10.The sleeve 11 defines a receiving compartment 12 in the form of alongitudinally extending bore of circular transverse cross-section forreceiving the bottle 2. The bore formed by the receiving compartment 12defines a central geometric axis which coincides with the central axis 4of the housing 3. The panel segments 9 each define a storing means,namely, discrete storing chambers 14 for storing a temperatureconditionable liquid, in this embodiment of the invention a mixture ofwater and glycerine which can be chilled or frozen to an appropriatetemperature for chilling the contents of the bottle 2.

The panel member 8 when lying flat, see FIG. 10, defines a pair oflongitudinally extending opposite end edges 15 which when the panelmember 8 is bent to form the sleeve 11 in the hollow interior region 5,are relatively close to each other and extend parallel to the centralaxis 4. The transverse cross-sectional area of the receiving compartment12 is varied as the end edges 15 are moved towards or away from eachother for accommodating bottles 2 of different diameters. Providing thereceiving compartment with variable transverse cross-sectional area alsofacilitates operation of the device 1 in two modes, namely, a first modefor altering the temperature of the wine in the bottle 2, in otherwords, a chilling mode for chilling the wine to the desired chilledtemperature, and a second mode for maintaining the temperature of thewine in the bottle 2 at a desired chill temperature, after the wine hasbeen chilled to the desired temperature. In the first mode thetransverse cross-sectional area of the receiving compartment 12 isadjusted so that the panel segments 9 of the panel member 8 tightly abutthe bottle 2, and in the second mode, the transverse cross-sectionalarea of the receiving compartment 12 is adjusted so that the panelsegments 9 are appropriately spaced apart from the bottle 2.

A carrier means, namely, a carrier sleeve 16 extends downwardly from theannular ring 7 into the hollow interior region 5 between the panelmember 8 and the housing 3, and is rotatable and axially slideable inthe housing 3. A first element, namely, an inwardly tapering ring 17extends from a lower free end 19 of the carrier sleeve 16, andterminates at its free end in a circular bearing rim 20 which forms thefirst element. The bearing rim 20 bears on and co-operates with secondelements which are formed by outwardly downwardly extending wedge-shapedportions 21 of the panel segments 9 for urging the panel segments 9inwardly and outwardly relative to the central axis 4 for varying thetransverse cross-sectional area of the receiving compartment 12.

A constraining means provided by a cam drive means constrains theannular ring 7 and the carrier sleeve 16 and in turn the bearing rim 20to move axially in the hollow interior region 5 when the annular ring 7and the carrier sleeve 16 are rotated for varying the transversecross-sectional area of the receiving compartment 12. The cam drivemeans comprises a camming means, namely, four cam profiles 23 on thecarrier sleeve 16 which co-operate with corresponding cam followermeans, namely, four cam followers 24, which extend inwardly into thehollow interior region 5 from the housing 3 for constraining the bearingrim 20 to move axially as the annular ring 7 is rotated relative to thehousing 3.

Returning now to the housing 3 and the annular ring 7 in more detail,the housing 3 is of injection moulded plastics material, and comprises abase 27 and an upwardly extending side wall 28 which is of substantiallycylindrical shape but is slightly tapered downwardly inwardly towardsthe base 27. The side wall 28 defines the central axis 4, and the sidewall 28 with the base 27 defines the hollow interior region 5. Theannular ring 7 is of injection moulded plastics material, and comprisesa pair of spaced apart ring members 25 extend downwardly from theannular ring 7, which define therebetween an annular groove 26 forreceiving and rigidly securing the carrier sleeve 16 to the annular ring7.

The carrier sleeve 16 is also of injection moulded plastics material andis of such outer diameter as to provide a clearance fit with the innersurface of the housing 3 for facilitating rotational and axial movementof the carrier sleeve 16 within the housing 3. Four cam slots 30 whichdefine the cam profiles 23 are formed at equi-spaced intervals of 90°around the carrier sleeve 16. The cam slots 30 incline downwardly froman upper end 31 to a lower end 32. Entry slots 33 extend downwardly fromthe cam slots 30 at the lower ends 32 for accommodating the camfollowers 24 into and out of the respective cam slots 30 forfacilitating insertion and removal of the carrier sleeve 16 into and outof the housing 3 for permitting removal of the panel member 8 forfreezing or chilling thereof. The entry slots 33 diverge downwardly,outwardly for facilitating ease of entry of the cam followers 24 intothe entry slots 33 on insertion of the carrier sleeve 16 into thehousing 3. The entry slots 33 terminate in the inwardly tapering ring 17at 34 at respective positions which provides adequate clearance for thecam followers 24 past the inwardly tapering ring 17 into the entry slots33. The cam followers 24 are secured to the inner surface of the housing3 at equi-spaced intervals of 90° around the housing 3.

By rotating the annular ring 7 through 90° in the direction of the arrowA, the cam followers 24 acting on the cam profiles 23 urge the carriersleeve 16 axially downwardly into the hollow interior region 5 in thedirection of the arrow B. for in turn, urging the bearing rim 20 to movedownwardly over the wedge-shaped portions 21 of the panel member 8 forin turn, reducing the transverse cross-sectional area of the receivingcompartment 12. Rotation of the annular ring 7 in the reverse direction,namely, in the direction of the arrow C urges the carrier sleeve 16axially upwardly in the direction of the arrow D within the hollowinterior region 5 so that the bearing rim 20 moves upwardly over thewedge-shaped portions 21 for permitting the panel segments 9 to moveoutwardly under resilient action of the plastics hinges 10 forincreasing the transverse cross-sectional area of the receivingcompartment 12.

An annular lip 36 extends inwardly downwardly from the annular ring 7for retaining the panel member 8 in the hollow interior region 5.

Returning now to the panel member 8, each panel segment 9 is formed byan inner wall 38 and an outer wall 39 joined by end walls 40 and top andbottom walls 41 and 42, respectively, which together form the storingchamber 14 of each panel segment 9. The inner walls form an inner facewhich defines the receiving compartment 12 when the panel member isformed into the sleeve 11. The outer walls 39 are formed by an upperportion 43 and a lower portion 44 which are joined by an outwardlydownwardly inclined intermediate portion 45 which forms the wedge-shapedportion 21. When the panel member 8 is formed into the sleeve 11 to formthe circular receiving compartment 12 the intermediate portions 45define a fusto-conical portion which co-operates with the bearing rim 20of the inwardly tapering ring 17 for varying the diameter of thereceiving compartment 12 as the rim 20 is moved axially over thewedge-shaped intermediate portions 45. The upper portions 43 of theouter wall 39 define an upper cylindrical portion while the lowerportions 44 of the outer wall 39 define a lower substantiallycylindrical portion of diameter greater than the diameter of the uppercylindrical portion.

The inner walls 38 of the panel segments 9 are slightly arcuate forfurther increasing surface contact between the panel segment 9 and thebottle 2. The outer wall 39, including the intermediate portion 45 arecorrespondingly arcuate in plan view, for accommodating sliding of thebearing rim 20 over the upper portions 43 the intermediate portions 45.Portions 49 of the end walls 40 between the plastics hinges 10 and theinner walls 38 of the panel segments 9 are chamfered for facilitatingbending of the panel member 8 to form the sleeve 11, so that when thediameter of the receiving compartment 12 is at a minimum with therespective end edges 15 touching each other, the chamfered portionssubstantially abut each other for maximising heat transfer between thepanel member 8 and the bottle 2.

The panel member 8 is formed of plastics material as a single integralunit by blow moulding, and the plastic hinges 10 which extend the lengthof the panel segments 9 are integrally formed during the blow mouldingprocess. Typically, the panel member 8 is formed as a flat, see FIG. 10,which can be subsequently bent to form the sleeve 11, see FIG. 8.Typically, when chilling or freezing the temperature conditionableliquid in the storing chambers 14 of the panel member 10, the panelmember 10 which has been removed from the housing 3 is laid out flat andplaced on a shelf or other support in a freezer or deepfreezer. Byforming of the panel member 8 as a flat the plastic hinges 10 are formedwith an in-built resilience for urging the panel segments 9 outwardlywhen the panel member 8 is bent to form the sleeve 11. In this way, theupper portions 43 and the intermediate portions 45 of the outer walls 39of the panel segments 9 are urged into engagement with the bearing rim20 of the inwardly tapering ring 17. Thus, as the bearing rim 20 ismoved downwardly in the direction of the arrow B over the wedge-shapedportions 21 formed by the intermediate portions 45, the panel segments 9are urged inwardly against the resilient action of the plastic hinges 10for reducing the diameter of the receiving compartment 12. Additionally,the resilient action of the plastic hinges 10 urges the wedge-shapedportions 21 into engagement with the bearing rim 20 as the bearing rim20 is being urged upwardly in the direction of the arrow D, therebyurging the panel segments 9 outwardly for increasing the diameter of thereceiving compartment 12.

Charging ports 46 which are sealably closed by caps 47 are provided forcharging the storing chambers 14 with the temperature conditionableliquid. The storing chambers 14 may be charged with the temperatureconditionable liquid in the factory, and permanently sealed by the caps47, or the caps 47 may be releaseably secured to the charging ports 46for subsequent recharging of the storing chambers 14. The caps 47slideably rest on the base 27 of the housing 3.

In this embodiment of the invention the temperature conditionable liquidas mentioned above is a mixture of water and glycerine, and is mixed inproportions to provide a liquid with a freezing point in the range of0°C. to minus 20° C., and preferably, a freezing point of approximately−10° C. It is desirable that the freezing point of the liquid should bechosen to be sufficient to allow the temperature conditionable liquid inthe storing chambers 14 to be frozen to a temperature sufficiently lowfor reducing the temperature of the wine bottle to the desired chilltemperature within a reasonable period of time, and/or for maintainingthe temperature of the wine bottle at the desired temperature. It ispreferable that the temperature conditionable liquid should be frozen toits solid phase so that the benefit of latent heat as the temperatureconditionable liquid returns from its solid phase to its liquid phase isutilised. Although, it is desirable that when freezing the temperatureconditionable liquid, the temperature conditionable liquid when in itssolid phase should not distort the panel segments 9 of the panel member8, and in particular, should not distort the inner walls 38 so thatmaximum surface contact between the inner walls 38 and the wine bottle 2is achieved. Were the inner walls 38 to be distorted by the temperatureconditionable liquid in its solid phase, the area of the inner walls 38in contact with the wine bottle 2 would be significantly reduced, andaccordingly, when operating in the temperature altering mode forreducing the temperature of the wine bottle 2, the device 1 wouldoperate relatively inefficiently. In order to optimise between availingof latent heat as the temperature conditionable liquid is convertingfrom its solid phase to its liquid phase, on the one hand, and achievingmaximum surface contact between the inner walls 38 of the panel segments9 and the wine bottle 2, it is envisaged in certain cases, that thestoring chambers 14 of alternate panel segments 9 may be charged with atemperature conditionable liquid with a freezing point lower than thatin the storing chambers 14 of the other panel segments 9. This wouldallow the temperature conditionable liquid in the storing chambers 14with the higher freezing point to be frozen solid, while temperatureconditionable liquid in the storing chambers 14 with the lower freezingpoint temperature would be frozen to a slush ice state, in other words,in a state between the liquid phase and the solid phase. It is envisagedthat such an arrangement would provide relatively good surface contactbetween the inner walls 38 of the panel segments 9 and the wine bottle2.

A pair of handles 48 integrally injection moulded with the housing 3extend radially outwardly on opposite sides of the housing 3 forcarrying the cooling device 1.

In use, the panel member 8 is removed from the hollow interior region 5and placed in a freezer or deepfreezer for chilling or freezing thetemperature conditionable liquid in the storing chambers 14. Typically,the panel member 8 is laid out flat on a shelf or other support in afreezer or deepfreezer for freezing thereof. To remove the panel member8, the annular ring 7 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C, seeFIG. 2, until the cam followers 24 engage the lower ends 32 of the camslots 30. The annular ring 7 and carrier sleeve 16 are then urgedaxially outwardly of the hollow interior region 5 until the carriersleeve 16 disengages the housing 3 thereby facilitating removal of thepanel member 8 for freezing thereof. On the temperature conditionableliquid in the storing chambers 14 of the panel member 8 being eitherfrozen or at a desired temperature, the panel member 8 is formed intothe sleeve 11 and inserted through the open mouth 6 into the hollowinterior region 5. The carrier sleeve 16 is then inserted into thehollow interior region 5, care being taken to align the entry slots 33with the corresponding cam followers 24. The annular ring 7 is pusheddownwardly until the cam followers 24 engage the lower ends 32 of thecam slots 30, and the device 1 is ready for use.

A wine bottle or other beverage bottle or can is placed in the receivingcompartment 12. If the diameter of the receiving compartment 12 is to bereduced, the annular ring 7 is rotated in the direction of the arrow Afor urging the cam slots 30 past the cam followers 24 for in turndrawing the carrier sleeve 16 and the bearing rim 20 downwardly in thedirection of the arrow B into the hollow interior region 5, for in turnreducing the diameter of the receiving compartment 12 to the desireddiameter. When the upper ends 31 of the cam slots 30 engage the camfollowers 24 the diameter of the receiving compartment is at a minimum.

Where it is desired to operate the device 1 in the first mode forreducing the temperature of the wine in the wine bottle from roomtemperature to the desired chill temperature, and a relatively rapidreduction in temperature of the wine is required, the diameter of thereceiving compartment 12 formed by the panel member 8 is reduced so thatthe inner walls 38 of the panel segments 9 tightly abut the wine bottle2. After the wine has been chilled to the desired chill temperature, andwhen it is desired to maintain the temperature of the wine at thedesired chill temperature, the device 1 is operated in the second modeby increasing the diameter of the receiving compartment 12 so that theinner walls 38 of the panel segments 9 are spaced apart from the outersurface of the wine bottle 2. Indeed, where relatively slower chillingis desirable, the diameter of the receiving compartment 12 may be set sothat the inner walls 38 of the panel segments 9 are slightly spacedapart from the wine bottle 2.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 to 20, there is illustrated a device accordingto another embodiment of the invention for regulating the temperature ofthe contents of a beverage container, which in this case is also acooling device, which is indicated generally by the reference numeral 50for cooling wine in a wine bottle (not shown). The cooling device 50comprises a cylindrical housing 51 of stepped diameter at 62, whichdefines a hollow interior region 52, and forms an open mouth 53 to themain hollow interior region 52. An annular ring 54 is located at theopen mouth 53 and is rotatably mounted on the housing 51. A panel member55 which is substantially similar to the panel member 8 of the coolingdevice 1, described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12, is located withinthe main hollow interior region 52 and defines a receiving compartment56 within which the wine bottle is received. For convenience, since thepanel member 55 is substantially similar to the panel member 8, similarcomponents of the panel member 55 are identified by the same referencenumerals as those of the panel member 8. In this embodiment of theinvention, the outer walls 39 of the panel member 55 when formed intothe sleeve 11 define a cylinder of constant diameter from top to bottom;in other words, the outer walls 39 of the panel member 8 are formedwithout the intermediate portion 45. The diameter of the receivingcompartment 55 is variable as will be described below by rotation of theannular ring 54 relative to the housing 51.

The housing 51 comprises a base 57 and an upstanding side wall 58, whichtogether form the hollow interior region 52. The side wall 58 of thehousing 51 terminates at the open mouth 53 for releaseably and rotatablyreceiving and engaging the annular ring 54 by releaseably and rotatablyengaging an annular recess 60 in the annular ring 54.

A downwardly extending projection 63 extends from the bottom wall 42 ofthe panel segment 9 adjacent one of the end edges 15 of the panel member55, and releaseably engages a corresponding recess 64 in the base 57 ofthe housing 51. The panel member 55 is releaseably attached to theannular ring 54 adjacent the other end edge 15 of the panel member 55 sothat on rotation of the annular ring 54 relative to the housing 51through a relatively small angle, typically 20°, the end edges 15 of thepanel member 55 are moved towards or away from each other for varyingthe diameter of the receiving compartment 56. A projection 65 extendingsidewardly outwardly from the outer wall 39 of the panel segment 9adjacent the end edge 15 at which the panel member 55 is connected tothe annular ring 54 releaseably engages a corresponding slot 66 in acarrier lug 67 which extends downwardly from the annular ring 54 intothe hollow interior region 52. An abutment member 68 extends downwardlyfrom the annular ring 54, and is spaced apart from the carrier lug 67for tightly abutting the inner wall 38 of the panel member 55 forretaining the sidewardly extending projection 65 in engagement with theslot 66 of the carrier lug 67.

The inner walls 38 of the panel member 55 are inclined upwardlyoutwardly adjacent the open mouth 53 for forming a tapered lead-in 69for accommodating the wine bottle into the receiving compartment 56.Removal of the panel member 55 from the main hollow interior region 52for freezing thereof is carried out by removing the annular ring 54 fromthe housing 51. On replacing the panel member 55 in the hollow interiorregion 52, the projection 63 is engaged in the recess 64 in the base 57of the housing 51. The annular ring 54 is then engaged in the open mouth53 of the housing 51 with the slot 66 of the carrier lug 67 engaging theprojection 65.

In use, the diameter of the receiving compartment 56 is varied byrotating the annular ring 54 relative to the housing 51 in theappropriate direction for urging the end edges 15 of the panel member 55towards or away from each other, depending on whether the diameter ofthe receiving compartment 56 is to be reduced or increased. The coolingdevice 50 can be operated in the two modes, namely, the first mode forchilling wine in the wine bottle with the panel member 55 abutting thewine bottle, and in the second mode with the panel member 55 slightlyspaced apart from the wine bottle for maintaining the temperature of thewine bottle at a desired chilled temperature.

One difference between the cooling device 50 and the cooling device 1 isthat in the case of the cooling device 1 as the diameter of thereceiving compartment 12 is being varied, the sleeve 11 formed by thepanel member 8 remains concentric with the cylindrical housing 3 and theannular ring 7. On the other hand, in the case of the cooling device 50,if when at its maximum diameter the receiving compartment 56 isconcentric with the housing 51 and the annular ring 54, see FIG. 17, asthe diameter of the receiving compartment 56 is reduced, the receivingcompartment 56 becomes eccentric relative to the housing 51 and theannular ring 54, see FIG. 16. The more the diameter of the receivingcompartment 56 is reduced the more eccentric the receiving compartment56 becomes. On the other hand, at its smallest diameter, if thereceiving compartment 56 is concentric with the housing 51, increasingthe diameter of the receiving compartment 56 causes the receivingcompartment 56 to become eccentric relative to the housing 51. This, itwill be understood, is a slight disadvantage of the cooling device 50relative to the cooling device 1.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, there is illustrated a portion of adevice for regulating the temperature of the contents of a beveragecontainer, in this case, a cooling device according to anotherembodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral70 for cooling a wine bottle. The cooling device 70 is substantiallysimilar to the cooling device 1 but is a more simplified version of thecooling device 1. For convenience, components of the cooling device 70which are similar to the cooling device 1 are indicated by the samereference numerals. In the cooling device 70, the cam followers 24 andthe cam slots 30 are dispensed with, and the carrier sleeve 16 extendsdownwardly into the hollow interior region 5 from the annular ring 7.The carrier sleeve 8 terminates in the first element which is providedby a wedge-shaped bearing rim 71. The bearing rim 71 co-operates withthe wedge-shaped portions 21 of the panel member 8 for varying thediameter of the receiving compartment 12. To vary the diameter of thereceiving compartment 12, the annular ring 7, and in turn the carriersleeve 16 are urged axially inwardly into or outwardly out of the mainhollow interior region 5 for causing the bearing rim 71 of the carriersleeve 16 to co-operate with the wedge-shaped portions 21 of the panelmember 8 for varying the diameter of the receiving compartment 12. Themore the carrier sleeve 16 is urged inwardly into the hollow interiorregion 5 the more the diameter of the receiving compartment 12 isreduced and vice versa.

Referring now to FIGS. 23 to 25, there is illustrated device forregulating the temperature of the contents of a beverage container,namely, a cooling device according to a still further embodiment of theinvention which is indicated generally by the reference numeral 75 forcooling a wine bottle. The cooling device 75 comprises a cylindricalhousing 76 which extends upwardly from and is releaseably engageable ina groove 83 a base 77. Both the cylindrical housing 76 and the base 77are of injection moulded plastics material, and together when assembleddefine a hollow interior region 78 for receiving a panel member 79 whichis substantially similar to the panel member 8 of the cooling device 1.For convenience, because of the similarity between the panel member 79and the panel member 8 of the cooling device 1, components of the panelmember 79 which are similar to the panel member 8 are identified by thesame reference numerals. A central boss 80 projecting upwardly from thebase 77 into the hollow interior region 78 locates and centres the panelmember 79 in the main hollow interior region 78 when formed into thesleeve 11. The central boss 80 also engages the panel member 79 when thesleeve 11 defines the receiving compartment 12 of smallest diameter.

An urging means for urging the panel member 79 when forming the sleeve11 into engagement with the central boss 80 comprises a pair ofresilient rings 81 of resilient plastics material, in this embodiment ofthe invention closed cell foam plastics material. The rings 81 aresecured to the housing 76 adjacent the top and bottom respectively forabutting the outer walls 39 of the panel segments of the panel member79. The inner walls 38 incline upwardly outwardly adjacent the openmouth of the housing 76 for forming a tapered lead-in for facilitatingentering of a wine bottle into the receiving compartment 12. The rings81 are compressed by the action of a wine bottle on the inner walls 38of the panel member 79 for permitting the sleeve 11 to form thereceiving compartment 12 with a diameter which substantially coincideswith the diameter of the bottle being cooled. Additionally, the rings 81urge the panel member 79 into engagement with the bottle being cooled sothat the inner walls 38 of the panel member 79 relatively tightly abutthe bottle.

An inwardly directed lip 82 extends around the open mouth of thecylindrical housing 76 for retaining the panel member 79 in the hollowinterior region 78.

To remove the panel member 79 from the hollow interior region 78 forfreezing thereof the housing 76 is disengaged from the base 77, and thepanel member 79 is withdrawn from the hollow interior region 78 at thelower end thereof.

Otherwise, operation of the cooling device 75 is substantially similarto the cooling devices already described, with the exception that thediameter of the receiving compartment 12 formed by the panel member 79is effectively automatically varied by the co-operating action of thewine bottle on the inner walls 38 of the panel member 79 and the actionof the resilient rings 81 on the outer walls 39 of the panel member 79.However, one difference between the cooling device 75 and the coolingdevices already described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 22 is that it isnot possible to operate the cooling device 75 in the second mode withthe inner walls 38 of the panel member 79 spaced apart from the winebottle, since the urging action of the resilient rings 81 is such as tourge the panel member 79 towards the wine bottle so that the inner walls38 abut the outer surface of the wine bottle.

Referring now to FIGS. 26 and 27 there is illustrated a device accordingto another embodiment of the invention for regulating the temperature ofthe contents of a beverage container, which in this case is also acooling device 85 for cooling a wine bottle 2. The cooling device 85 issubstantially similar to the cooling device 1, and similar componentsare identified by the same reference numerals. The main differencebetween the cooling device 85 and the cooling device 1 is that theconstraining means for constraining the bearing rim 20 of the carriersleeve 16 to move axially into and out of the hollow interior region 5is formed by a pair of co-operating screw threads, one of which screwthread 86 is formed on the carrier sleeve 16, and the other of whichscrew thread 87 is formed on the side wall 28 of the housing 3. Thediameter of the receiving compartment 12 of the panel member 8 is variedby rotating the annular ring 7, and in turn the carrier sleeve 16.

To remove the panel member 8 from the housing 3 the carrier sleeve 16 iswithdrawn entirely from the housing 3 by rotation thereof in ananti-clockwise direction.

Otherwise, operation of the cooling device 85 is identical to that ofthe cooling device 1.

While the devices for regulating the temperature of the contents of abottle have been described for chilling the contents of a wine bottle,it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the devicesmay be used for regulating the temperature of the contents of any otherbottle, can or other container whether beverage of otherwise.

It will also be appreciated that the devices for regulating thetemperature of a bottle may be used for heating the contents of a bottleor other container above room temperature and/or for maintaining thetemperature of the contents of a bottle or other container above roomtemperature, in which case, instead of chilling or freezing thetemperature conditionable liquid in the storing chambers of the panelmember, the temperature conditionable liquid would be heated to or abovethe temperature at which it is desired to increase or maintain thecontents of the bottle or other container.

It is also envisaged that in the devices illustrated and described withreference to FIGS. 23 to 25, the resilient rings may be replaced with aspring loaded ring, for example, a resilient C-ring or C-rings, whichwould be located around the outer peripheral surface defined by theouter walls of the panel member for urging the panel member intoengagement with a wine bottle or other container.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device (1,50,70,75,85) for regulating thetemperature of the contents of a container (2), the device comprising asupport means (3,51,76), and a temperature regulating means (8,55,79)located within the support means (3,51,76) for regulating thetemperature of the contents of the container (2) at a desiredtemperature, the temperature regulating means (8,55,79) comprising astoring means (14) for storing a temperature conditionable fluid anddefining an elongated receiving compartment (12) for receiving thecontainer (2), the receiving compartment (12) being of variabletransverse cross-sectional area for accommodating containers (2) ofdifferent cross-sectional area, characterised in that the support means(3,51,76) comprises a first part (3,51,76) and a second part (7,54)which are moveable relative to each other, the second part (7,54) of thesupport means (3,51,76) being co-operable with the temperatureregulating means (8,55,79) so that relative movement of the first andsecond parts (3,51,76) (7,54) varies the transverse cross-sectional areaof the receiving compartment (12).
 2. A device as claimed in claim 1characterised in that the transverse cross-sectional area of thereceiving compartment (12) is variable for facilitating operation of thedevice (1,50,70,85) in a first mode with the temperature regulatingmeans (8,55) abutting the container (2) for altering the temperature ofthe contents of the container (2), and in a second mode with thetemperature regulating means (8, 55) spaced apart from the container (2)for maintaining the temperature of the contents of the container (2)substantially constant.
 3. A device as claimed in claim 1 characterisedin that the receiving compartment (12) defines a central axis (4) whichin use substantially coincides with the central axis (4) of thecontainer (2).
 4. A device as claimed in claim 1 characterised in thatthe receiving compartment (12) is in the form of an elongated receivingbore of circular transverse cross-sectional area.
 5. A device as claimedin claim 1 characterised in that the first part (3,51,76) of the supportmeans comprises a hollow housing (3,51,76) which forms a containerdefining a hollow interior region (5,52,78) for receiving thetemperature regulating means therein (8,55,79), the housing (3,51,76)defining a longitudinally extending central axis (4) which substantiallycoincides with the central axis (4) of the receiving compartment (12),and the second part (7,54) of the support means comprises an annularring (7,54) located co-axially with the housing (3,51,76).
 6. A deviceas claimed in claim 1 characterised in that a first element (20,67) islocated on the second part (7,54) of the support means and a secondelement (21,65) is located on the temperature regulating means so thaton relative movement of the first and second parts of the support meansthe first and second elements co-operate with each other for varying thetransverse cross-sectional area of the receiving compartment (12), thefirst element (20) being moveable relative to the second element (21)for varying the transverse cross-sectional area of the receivingcompartment (12) as one of the first and second Darts (3,7) of thesupport means is moved relative to the other.
 7. A device as claimed inclaim 6 characterised in that the second element (21) is shaped so thatmovement of the first element (20) relative to the second element (21)varies the transverse cross-sectional area of the receiving compartment(12), and a constraining means (23,24,86,87) is provided forconstraining the first element (20) to move in a predetermined pathrelative to the second element (21) for varying the transversecross-sectional area of the receiving compartment (12) when one of thefirst and second tarts (3,7) of the support means is moved relative tothe other, and the first and second Darts (7,54) of the support meansare rotatably moveable relative to each other, and the constrainingmeans (23,24,86,87) constrains the first element (20) to move relativeto the second element (21) along the predetermined path parallel to thecentral axis (4).
 8. A device as claimed in claim 7 characterised inthat the constraining means (23,24,86,87) comprises a cam drive means(23,24) having a camming means (23) located on one of the first andsecond parts of the support means, and a cam follower (24) located onthe other of the first and second parts of the support means, the camfollower (24) being co-operable with the camming means (23) forconstraining the first element (20) to move in the predetermined pathrelative to the second element (21) for varying the transversecross-sectional area of the receiving compartment (12) on one of thefirst and second parts of the support means being moved relative to theother.
 9. A device as claimed in claim 6 characterised in that theannular ring (7,54) is rotatably moveable relative to the housing (3,51)for causing the first element (20) to move relative to the secondelement (21) along the predetermined path, and the annular ring (7,54)is rotatable moveable relative to the housing (3,51) from a firstannular position with the receiving compartment (12) of the temperatureregulating means (8,55,79) being of maximum transverse cross-sectionalarea to a second angular position with the receiving compartment (12) ofthe temperature regulating means (8,55,79) being of minimum transversecross-sectional area.
 10. A device as claimed in claim 9 characterisedin that the housing (3,51,76) comprises a base (27,57,77) and anupwardly extending side wall (28,58) which defines an open mouth (6,53)to the hollow interior region (5,52,78), the side wall (28,58) definingthe central axis (4) of the hollow interior region (5,52,78), and theannular ring (7,54) being located above the housing adjacent the openmouth (6,53), and a carrier means (16,67) extends from the annular ringinto the hollow interior region of the housing for carrying the firstelement (20,66), and the carrier means (16) carries one of the cammingmeans (23) and the cam follower (24), and the other of the camming means(23) and the cam follower (24) is carried on the housing (3), and thecamming means (23) is provided by a cam slot (30) formed in the carriermeans (16), the cam slot (30) extending partially circumferentiallyaround the carrier means (16) and defining a cam profile (23) forengagement with the cam follower (24) so that rotation of the annularring (7) and the carrier means (16) relative to the housing (3)constrains the carrier means (16) to move parallel to the central axis(4) of the receiving compartment (12) for varying the transversecross-sectional area of the receiving compartment (12).
 11. A device asclaimed in claim 10 characterised in that the cam follower (24) islocated on the housing (3) and extends inwardly into the hollow interiorregion (5) for engaging the cam profile (23) defined by the cam slot(30).
 12. A device as claimed in claim 10 characterised in that aplurality of cam followers (24) are equi-spaced apart circumferentiallyaround the housing (3), and a corresponding number of cam slots (30) arealso provided equi-spaced apart around the carrier means (16), and eachcam slot (30) defines an inclined cam profile (23) relative to thecentral axis (4) of the receiving compartment (12), and an entry slot(33) is provided to each cam slot (30) for facilitating exiting andentry of the corresponding cam follower (24) into the cam slot (30) onremoval or replacement of the annular ring (7) and carrier means (16)relative to the housing (3), the entry slots (33) communicating with thecorresponding cam slots (30) at the end (32) of the cam slots (30)remote from the annular ring (7) and extending in an axial directionaway from the annular ring (7) towards the free end of the carrier means(16).
 13. A device as claimed in claim 10 characterised in that thecarrier means (16) extends from the annular ring into the hollowinterior region (5) of the housing (3), and the carrier means (16) islocated between the housing (3) and the temperature regulating means(8).
 14. A device as claimed in claim 10 characterised in that thecarrier means (16) comprises a carrier side wall extending from theannular ring (7) between the housing (3) and the temperature regulatingmeans (8), the carrier side wall terminating in a bearing rim (20) atits free end remote from the annular ring (7) which forms the firstelement (20), the bearing rim (20) extending completely around thecarrier side wall (16), and being formed on a portion (17) of thecarrier side wall (16) extending inwardly towards the temperatureregulating means (8).
 15. A device as claimed in claim 6 characterisedin that the temperature regulating means (8,55,79) defines an outer face(39), the outer face (39) defining the second element (21,45) forco-operating with the first element (20) for varying the transversecross-sectional area of the receiving compartment (12), the secondelement (21,45) defined by the outer face (39) being of wedge-shape in adirection parallel to the central axis (4) of the receiving compartment(12)50 that axial movement of the first element (20) relative to thesecond element (21,45) varies the transverse cross-sectional area of thereceiving compartment (12).
 16. A device as claimed in claim 1characterised in that the first part (51) of the support means (51) isconnected to the temperature regulating means (55) at a first location(63), and the second part (54) of the support means (51) is connected tothe temperature regulating means (55) at a spaced apart second location(65), so that movement of one of the first and second parts (51,54) ofthe support means relative to the other varies the transversecross-sectional area of the receiving compartment (12).
 17. A device asclaimed in claim 16 characterised in that the first part (51) of thesupport means is connected to the temperature regulating means (55)adjacent to one of a pair of free longitudinally extending end edges(15) of the temperature regulating means (55), and the second part (54)of the support means (51) is connected to the temperature regulatingmeans (55) adjacent to the other of the free longitudinally extendingend edges (15) of the temperature regulating means (55), and the firstlocation (63) of the temperature regulating means (55) is connected tothe base (57) of the housing (51) of the support means and the secondlocation (65) is connected to the annular ring (54) of the support meansadjacent the top of the temperature regulating means (55) so thatrotation of the annular ring (54) relative to the housing (51) causesthe respective end edges (15) to move relative to each other for varyingthe transverse cross-sectional area of the receiving compartment (12).18. A device as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the temperatureregulating means (8,55,79) is freely supported in the support means(3,51,76), and the temperature regulating means (8,55,79) is releaseablyretained in the support means (3,51,76) for facilitating removal thereoffor locating the temperature regulating means (8,55,79) in anappropriate environment for conditioning the temperature conditionablefluid prior to use, and the temperature regulating means (8,55,79)defines a pair of free longitudinally extending end edges (15) extendingparallel to the central axis (4) of the receiving compartment (12), thefree end edges (15) being moveable relative to each other for varyingthe transverse cross-sectional area of the receiving compartment (12),and the temperature regulating means (8,55,79) comprises a panel member(8) formed into a sleeve (11) for forming the receiving compartment(12), the panel member (8) defining the pair of opposite longitudinallyextending free end edges (15) extending parallel to the central axis (4)of the receiving compartment which form the end edges (15), and thepanel member (8,55,79) comprises a plurality of elongated panel segments(9) extending parallel to the central axis (4) of the receivingcompartment (12), each panel segment (9) defining an inner face (38) andan opposite outer face (39) which are joined by a pair of oppositelongitudinally extending end faces (40), the outer faces (39) of therespective panel segment (9) defining the outer face (39) of thetemperature regulating means (8,55,79), each panel segment (9) beingconnected to its adjacent panel segment (9) by a connecting means (10),the inner faces (38) of the respective panel segments (9) defining thereceiving compartment (12), and the end faces (40) of the panel segments(9) at respective opposite ends of the panel member (8,55,79) definingthe respective free end edges (15) of the panel member (8,55,79), andeach panel segment (9) defines a discrete storing chamber (14) forforming the storing means for storing the temperature conditionablefluid.
 19. A device as claimed in claim 18 characterised in thatalternate storing chambers (14) of the panel member (8,55,79) arecharged with respective temperature conditionable fluids with differentfreezing points so that when the temperature conditionable fluid of someof the storing chambers (14) is frozen to a solid phase, the temperatureconditionable fluid in the alternate storing chambers (14) is not in asolid phase, and the temperature conditionable fluid in the alternatestoring chambers (14) which is not frozen solid is in a slush ice phase,and the connecting means (10) for connecting adjacent panel segments (9)is a resilient connecting means (10) for urging the panel member(8,55,79) outwardly relative to the central axis (4) of the receivingcompartment (12), each connecting means (10) comprising a longitudinallyextending plastics hinge (10), and being located intermediate the innerand outer faces (38,39) of the adjacent panel segments (9), andpreferably, the end faces (40) of the respective panel segments (9)between the connecting means (10) and the inner faces (38) of the panelsegments (9) are chamfered for accommodating hinging of the panelsegments (9) relative to each other for forming the receivingcompartment (12).
 20. A device as claimed in claim 1 characterised inthat the storing means (14) is charged with the temperatureconditionable fluid, and the temperature conditionable fluid is atemperature conditionable liquid, the temperature conditionable liquidbeing a liquid which is chillable with a freezing point at or below thatof water, and preferably, the freezing point of the chillable liquidlies in the range between 0° C. and −20° C., and preferably, thetemperature conditionable liquid comprises a mixture of water and anyone or more of the following ingredients: glycerine, saline solution,and propylene glycol.
 21. A device for regulating the temperature of thecontents of a container, the device comprising: a support meanscomprising a first part, and a second part, the respective first andsecond parts being moveable relative to each other, and a temperatureregulating means located within the support means for regulating thetemperature of the contents of the container at a desired temperature,the temperature regulating means comprising: a storing means for storinga temperature conditionable fluid and defining an elongated receivingcompartment for receiving the container, the receiving compartment beingof variable transverse cross-sectional area for accommodating containersof different cross-sectional area, the temperature regulating meansbeing co-operable with the second part of the support means so thatrelative movement of the first and the second parts of the support meansvaries the transverse cross-sectional area of the receiving compartment.22. A device as claimed in claim 21 in which the transversecross-sectional area of the receiving compartment is variable forfacilitating operation of the device in a first mode with thetemperature regulating means abutting the container for altering thetemperature of the contents of the container, and in a second mode withthe temperature regulating means spaced apart from the container formaintaining the temperature of the contents of the containersubstantially constant.
 23. A device as claimed in claim 21 in which thereceiving compartment defines a central axis which in use substantiallycoincides with the central axis of the container.
 24. A device asclaimed in claim 21 in which the receiving compartment is in the form ofan elongated receiving bore of circular transverse cross-sectional area.25. A device as claimed in claim 21 in which the first part of thesupport means comprises a hollow housing which forms a containerdefining a hollow interior region for receiving the temperatureregulating means therein, the housing defining a longitudinallyextending central axis which substantially coincides with the centralaxis of the receiving compartment, and the second part of the supportmeans comprises an annular ring located coaxially with the housing. 26.A device as claimed in claim 21 in which a first element is located onthe second part of the support means and a second element is located onthe temperature regulating means so that on relative movement of thefirst and second parts of the support means the first and secondelements co-operate with each other for varying the transversecross-sectional area of the receiving compartment, the first elementbeing moveable relative to the second element for varying the transversecross-sectional area of the receiving compartment as one of the firstand second parts of the support means is moved relative to the other.27. A device as claimed in claim 26 in which the second element isshaped so that movement of the first element relative to the secondelement varies the transverse cross-sectional area of the receivingcompartment, a constraining means being provided for constraining thefirst element to move in a predetermined path relative to the secondelement for varying the transverse cross-sectional area of the receivingcompartment when one of the first and second parts of the support meansis moved relative to the other, and the first and second parts of thesupport means are rotatably moveable relative to each other, and theconstraining means constrains the first element to move relative to thesecond element along the predetermined path parallel to the centralaxis.
 28. A device as claimed in claim 27 in which the constrainingmeans comprises a cam drive means having a camming means located on oneof the first and second parts of the support means, and a cam followerlocated on the other of the first and second parts of the support means,the cam follower being co-operable with the camming means forconstraining the first element to move in the predetermined pathrelative to the second element for varying the transversecross-sectional area of the receiving compartment on one of the firstand second parts of the support means being moved relative to the other.29. A device as claimed in claim 26 when dependent on claim 25 in whichthe annular ring is rotatably moveable relative to the housing forcausing the first element to move relative to the second element alongthe predetermined path, and the annular ring is rotatably moveablerelative to the housing from a first angular position with the receivingcompartment of the temperature regulating means being of maximumtransverse cross-sectional area to a second angular position with thereceiving compartment of the temperature regulating means being ofminimum transverse cross-sectional area.
 30. A device as claimed inclaim 26 when dependent on claim 25 in which the annular ring isrotatably moveable relative to the housing for causing the first elementto move relative to the second element along the predetermined path, andthe annular ring is rotatably moveable relative to the housing from afirst angular position with the receiving compartment of the temperatureregulating means being of maximum transverse cross-sectional area to asecond angular position with the receiving compartment of thetemperature regulating means being of minimum transverse cross-sectionalarea.
 31. A device as claimed in claim 30 in which the housing comprisesa base and an upwardly extending side wall which defines an open mouthto the hollow interior region, the side wall defining the central axisof the hollow interior region, and the annular ring being located abovethe housing adjacent the open mouth, and a carrier means extends fromthe annular ring into the hollow interior region of the housing forcarrying the first element, and the carrier means carries one of thecamming means and the cam follower, and the other of the camming meansand the cam follower is carried on the housing, and the camming means isprovided by a cam slot formed in the carrier means, the cam slotextending partially circumferentially around the carrier means anddefining a cam profile for engagement with the cam follower so thatrotation of the annular ring and the carrier means relative to thehousing constrains the carrier means to move parallel to the centralaxis of the receiving compartment for varying the transversecross-sectional area of the receiving compartment.
 32. A device asclaimed in claim 31 in which the cam follower is located on the housingand extends inwardly into the hollow interior region for engaging thecam profile defined by the cam slot.
 33. A device as claimed in claim 31in which a plurality of cam followers are equi-spaced apartcircumferentially around the housing, and a corresponding number of camslots are also provided equi-spaced apart around the carrier means, andeach cam slot defines an inclined cam profile relative to the centralaxis of the receiving compartment, and an entry slot is provided to eachcam slot for facilitating exiting and entry of the corresponding camfollower into the cam slot on removal or replacement of the annular ringand carrier means relative to the housing, the entry slots communicatingwith the corresponding cam slots at the end of the cam slots remote fromthe annular ring and extend in an axial direction away from the annularring towards the free end of the carrier means.
 34. A device as claimedin claim 31 in which the carrier means extends from the annular ringinto the hollow interior region of the housing, and the carrier means islocated between the housing and the temperature regulating means.
 35. Adevice as claimed in claim 31 in which the carrier means comprises acarrier side wall extending from the annular ring between the housingand the temperature regulating means, the carrier side wall terminatingin a bearing rim at its free end remote from the annular ring whichforms the first element, the bearing rim extending completely around thecarrier side wall, and is formed on a portion of the carrier side wallextending inwardly towards the temperature regulating means.
 36. Adevice as claimed in claim 26 in which the temperature regulating meansdefines an outer face, the outer face defining the second element forco-operating with the first element for varying the transversecross-sectional area of the receiving compartment, and the secondelement defined by the outer face is of wedge-shape in a directionparallel to the central axis of the receiving compartment so that axialmovement of the first element relative to the second element varies thetransverse cross-sectional area of the receiving compartment.
 37. Adevice as claimed in claim 21 in which the first part of the supportmeans is connected to the temperature regulating means at a firstlocation, and the second part of the support means is connected to thetemperature regulating means at a spaced apart second location, so thatmovement of one of the first and second parts of the support meansrelative to the other varies the transverse cross-sectional area of thereceiving compartment.
 38. A device as claimed in claim 37 in which thefirst part of the support means is connected to the temperatureregulating means adjacent to one of a pair of free longitudinallyextending end edges of the temperature regulating means, and the secondpart of the support means is connected to the temperature regulatingmeans adjacent to the other of the free longitudinally extending endedges of the temperature regulating means, and the first location of thetemperature regulating means is connected to the base of the housing ofthe support means and the second location is connected to the annularring of the support means adjacent the top of the temperature regulatingmeans so that rotation of the annular ring relative to the housingcauses the respective end edges to move relative to each other forvarying the transverse cross-sectional area of the receivingcompartment.
 39. A device as claimed in claim 21 in which thetemperature regulating means is freely supported in the support means,and the temperature regulating means is releaseably retained in thesupport means for facilitating removal thereof for locating thetemperature regulating means in an appropriate environment forconditioning the temperature conditionable fluid prior to use, and thetemperature regulating means defines a pair of free longitudinallyextending end edges extending parallel to the central axis of thereceiving compartment, the free end edges being moveable relative toeach other for varying the transverse cross-sectional area of thereceiving compartment, and the temperature regulating means comprises apanel member formed into a sleeve for forming the receiving compartment,the panel member defining the pair of opposite longitudinally extendingfree end edges extending parallel to the central axis of the receivingcompartment which form the end edges, and the panel member comprises aplurality of elongated panel segments extending parallel to the centralaxis of the receiving compartment, each panel segment defining an innerface and an opposite outer face which are joined by a pair of oppositelongitudinally extending end faces, the outer faces of the respectivepanel segment defining the outer face of the temperature regulatingmeans, each panel segment being connected to its adjacent panel segmentby a connecting means, the inner faces of the respective panel segmentsdefining the receiving compartment, and the end faces of the panelsegments at respective opposite ends of the panel member defining therespective free end edges of the panel member, each panel segmentdefining a discrete storing chamber for forming the storing means forstoring the temperature conditionable fluid.
 40. A device as claimed inclaim 39 in which alternate storing chambers of the panel member arecharged with respective temperature conditionable fluids with differentfreezing points so that when the temperature conditionable fluid of someof the storing chambers is frozen to a solid phase, the temperatureconditionable fluid in the alternate storing chambers is not in a solidphase, and the temperature conditionable fluid in the alternate storingchambers which is not frozen solid is in a slush ice phase, and theconnecting means for connecting adjacent panel segments is a resilientconnecting means for urging the panel member outwardly relative to thecentral axis of the receiving compartment, each connecting meanscomprising a longitudinally extending plastics hinge, and being locatedintermediate the inner and outer faces of the adjacent panel segments,the end faces of the respective panel segments between the connectingmeans and the inner faces of the panel segments being chamfered foraccommodating hinging of the panel segments relative to each other forforming the receiving compartment.
 41. A device as claimed in claim 21in which the storing means is charged with the temperature conditionableliquid, the temperature conditionable liquid is a liquid which ischillable with a freezing point in the range between 0° C. and −20° C.,and comprises a mixture of water and any one or more of the followingingredients: glycerine, saline solution, and propylene glycol.